Wholesomeness and safety of irradiated foods

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2626-5_2· OSTI ID:5012058

Swallow, A J ^[1]

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1. Cancer Research Campaign Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Patterson Institute for Cancer Research, Christie Hospital Holt Radium Institute, Manchester (England)

Irradiation with gamma-rays, X-rays or fast electrons can be used to change foodstuffs in beneficial ways or to destroy harmful organisms. Gamma rays do not induce radioactivity in foods, but X-rays and fast electrons can induce short lived radioactivity if sufficiently energetic. This imposes limitations on the energies which can be used, and a short wait between irradiation and consumption may be advisable. Irradiation produces chemical changes in foodstuffs, and some foods are unsuitable for irradiation. With appropriate foods, trials with animals and human volunteers generally show that the product is safe. Some loss in nutritional quality can take place, which could be significant for some individuals, but are unlikely to be important for those on a balanced diet. Irradiation does not eliminate all risk from microbial contamination. Foods to be irradiated should be good quality, and need to be kept under proper conditions after irradiation. Irradiated foods should be appropriately labelled. Tests for radiation would help to enforce necessary controls. If the process is properly carried out on appropriate foods, and all due precautions are taken, irradiated foods are wholesome and safe. 52 references.

• OSTI ID: 5012058
• Journal Information: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology; (United States), Journal Name: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology; (United States) Vol. 289; ISSN 0065-2598; ISSN AEMBA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

553004* -- Agriculture & Food Technology-- Food Protection & Preservation-- (1987-)
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
FOOD
GAMMA RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
LEPTONS
PRESERVATION
RADIATIONS
RADIOPRESERVATION
SAFETY
X RADIATION